Surge in +44 Scam Calls Targeting Irish Phone Users Ahead of Christmas

A growing number of people across Ireland are reporting nuisance calls from +44 numbers, often featuring "job opportunity" scripts and requests to "add me on WhatsApp". The spike has been particularly noticeable in the run-up to Christmas, with calls coming in waves and some people receiving multiple attempts in a day.

ComReg has said new technical measures are being rolled out to reduce scam calls. Recent figures show over 131 million scam calls were blocked between February 2023 and October 2025, with over 18 million blocked in September 2025 alone.

Why are so many calls showing as +44?

Not every +44 call is a scam, but ComReg has previously noted that scams using the UK international code are particularly prominent in Ireland, partly because many people here have friends or family in the UK and are more likely to answer.

It's also important to know that the number you see on screen can be misleading. Some scams use international prefixes to appear plausible, while others rely on caller ID tricks and high-volume calling campaigns to catch people off guard.

How do they get your phone number?

In many cases, it's not personal at all. ComReg explains that scammers can use automated systems to dial huge ranges of numbers, then keep lists of the ones that connect, or that people answer, because it confirms the number is active.

Irish reporting also warns that answering can be enough to get your number added to a "live numbers" database, which can lead to more scam attempts later.

What's the goal of the "add me on WhatsApp" angle?

The aim is usually to move you away from normal call protections and into a chat where scammers can pressure you, gather personal details, or push you towards handing over money or sensitive information.

Publicjobs.ie has issued a warning about scam WhatsApp messages targeting job seekers, stating clearly that they do not communicate with candidates via WhatsApp, and that scammers may use job offers to try to obtain personal or financial information.

Separately, the National Cyber Security Centre has highlighted WhatsApp account security risks, including scams that try to trick people into handing over verification codes.

How to protect yourself

If you get an unexpected +44 call, the safest move is to let it ring out. If it's genuine, they can leave a voicemail or message.

If you do answer and it's an automated message or a suspicious caller, hang up immediately. Do not confirm your name, do not share any details, and do not follow instructions like "press 1" or "move this to WhatsApp". Irish reporting notes that, if you share no personal information, the main thing the scammer learns is that the number is active.

Be cautious about calling back missed international numbers. ComReg has warned about "one ring and cut" style scams designed to get you to ring back, which can route you to costly premium-rate lines.

On your phone, consider enabling built-in protections such as silencing unknown callers or spam call filtering (wording varies by device). These tools can cut down how often your phone rings for unknown numbers.

If you've already engaged, or shared details

If you've shared bank details or sent money, contact your bank immediately. Publicjobs.ie also advises contacting your bank straight away if you've provided money or bank account details.

If you believe you've been scammed, report it to Gardaí and keep any evidence (screenshots, numbers used, and what was said). Gardaí have repeatedly warned about criminals impersonating trusted organisations and seeking personal information.

What's being done to stop them?

ComReg and operators have already implemented multiple call-blocking interventions, and ComReg describes a "voice firewall" as software intended to identify and block scam calls from Ireland or abroad, helping defend against more sophisticated scams.

Irish reports state the voice firewall is expected to be deployed in the first half of 2026, using real-time analytics and machine learning to detect unusual call patterns.

ComReg has also estimated the scale of the problem nationally, stating Irish consumers receive around 59 million scam calls and over 47 million scam SMS messages annually, an average of about 161,000 scam calls per day.

Useful official guidance

You can read more on ComReg's nuisance communications information and Citizens Information guidance on spam and unwanted calls/texts.

For scam reporting and prevention advice, Garda guidance is available via An Garda Síochána's online scams page.

If you receive suspicious texts on Vodafone, Vodafone advises forwarding suspected spam texts to 50005 (free).